The Religion of Numa
And Other Essays on the Religion of Ancient Rome
"The Religion of Numa" by Jesse Benedict Carter is a scholarly work composed of essays that explore the religious practices and beliefs of ancient Rome, likely written in the early 20th century. The book delves into various historical periods of Roman religion, focusing particularly on the era before foreign influences began to change the religious landscape, and examines the significance of different deities throughout Rome’s early history. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of Roman religion during the monarchy, emphasizing its ties to the political structure and social organization of the time. Carter outlines the general characteristics of early Roman deities and their functions, explaining that the gods were primarily seen as representations of natural forces rather than individualized mythological figures. The essays also aim to elucidate the gradual evolution of Roman religious consciousness as it absorbed new influences, specifically highlighting the roles of early kings like Numa and Servius Tullius in shaping religious practices and adapting them to the community's changing social dynamics.